Monster Strike

Monster Strike the Animation

Aired Date:2015-10-10

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:59/100

Genres:Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Season:3

Total Episodes:51

Duration:11 min/ep

Studio:Studio Hibari

Source:VIDEO_GAME

Format:ONA

Director:Kazuya Ichikawa

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Official Site YouTube Crunchyroll Twitter

Synopsis

An anime adaptation of the Monster Strike mobile game by mixi.The protagonist, Ren Homura, returns to the town of Kaminohara, where he once lived. But did he really live in this place before? A nagging feeling tugs at his memories. Meanwhile, a strange game is forcefully installed onto his smartphone - a game called Monster Strike. A gauntlet of battles await him. Through the fierce fighting, he pieces together his scattered memories while uncovering the truth of the game. He's supported by his companions: Aoi Mizusawa, Akira Kagetsuki, and Minami Wakaba. Together they take a step into the unknown, unsuspecting of the secrets hidden below the surface...(Source: Crunchyroll)

Trailer

Characters

Minami Wakaba MAIN

Ren Homura MAIN

Aoi Mizuwasa MAIN

Oragon MAIN

Akira Kagetsuki MAIN

Memento Mori SUPPORTING

Sexy Roller SUPPORTING

Kushinada SUPPORTING

Himiko SUPPORTING

Babel SUPPORTING

Monster Strike The Animation: A High-Energy Anime Packed with Monsters and Mystery

Monster Strike The Animation is a Japanese anime series that premiered on October 10, 2015, as a web-based original net animation (ONA) on YouTube. Adapted from the wildly popular mobile game developed by Mixi, this action-packed series blends fast-paced battles, quirky characters, and a touch of mystery. Directed by Kazuya Ichikawa and written by Yoichi Kato, Monster Strike brings the game’s physics-based monster-collecting gameplay to life with a vibrant story that appeals to both fans of the game and newcomers to the franchise. With its short episodes, colorful cast, and a mix of humor and drama, the anime has become a notable entry in the world of game-based adaptations.

Plot and Premise

The story centers on Ren Homura, a middle school student who returns to his hometown of Kaminohara with his mother and sister, only to find his memories of the place are frustratingly vague. After picking up his repaired smartphone, Ren discovers a mysterious game called Monster Strike installed without his knowledge. His life takes a wild turn when he’s attacked by a man who summons a real monster from the game, forcing Ren into a real-life version of Monster Strike. With the help of his own summoned monster, the pint-sized dragon Oragon, and his classmate Aoi Mizusawa, Ren defeats the threat, uncovering a deeper mystery tied to his lost memories and a sinister entity manipulating events.

The series follows Ren’s journey through Kaminohara’s Monster Strike Stadium leagues, where players battle using advanced holographic monsters. Alongside Aoi, Ren aims to reunite her former teammates—Akira Kagetsuki, Minami Wakaba, and the elusive Haruma Kagutsuchi—while unraveling the secrets of his past and the game’s dangerous influence in the real world. The second season, which premiered on April 1, 2017, introduces new challenges, including an American transfer student named Mana and real-life monster manifestations, escalating the stakes with a cosmic twist in The Fading Cosmos arc.

Characters and World-Building

Monster Strike shines through its diverse cast and monster-centric world. Ren Homura, voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi, is a relatable protagonist whose memory gaps and hidden potential as an ace Monster Strike player drive the narrative. Oragon, his feisty dragon companion, brings humor and heart, evolving from a seemingly weak mascot to a key player in battles. Aoi Mizusawa (voiced by Lynn) is the determined team leader, while Akira (Daisuke Ono) and Minami (Chinami Hashimoto/Yuna Yoshino) add depth with their conflicting dynamics—Akira’s perfectionism and Minami’s otaku quirks make them stand out. The mysterious Haruma and the season 2 addition, Mana Livingstone (Hisako Kanemoto), further enrich the story with their ties to the game’s darker forces.

The world of Monster Strike blends everyday school life with high-tech monster battles, drawing heavily from the game’s mechanics. Players “flick” monsters like billiard balls to deal damage, and each monster has unique abilities, from Oragon’s fiery spirit to Akira’s powerful Kamui. The anime cleverly integrates game elements like Strike Shots, Evolution, and Ascension, making battles feel like an extension of the app while remaining accessible to non-players. The inclusion of real-world figures like YouTubers Max Murai and Hikakin as NPCs adds a playful nod to the game’s cultural impact in Japan.

Animation and Style

Produced by various studios, including Ultra Super Pictures and Studio Hibari, Monster Strike features vibrant, game-faithful visuals. The first season’s animation is crisp, with dynamic fight scenes that capture the game’s physics-based combat. However, the second season’s shift to 3D models for main characters drew criticism for its awkward execution and lower quality, though later episodes improved. Battle sequences remain a highlight, with monsters like Fenrir X and Dead Rabbits, Ltd. brought to life in colorful, chaotic glory.

The soundtrack is a standout, featuring a cover of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” by Gloria for the first season’s ending theme, later switching to White Ash’s energetic tracks like “Strike” and “Drop” for season 2. These songs, paired with lively voice acting, amplify the anime’s fast-paced vibe. The short 7-9 minute episodes, designed for the “smartphone generation,” keep the pacing tight and engaging, perfect for quick viewing sessions.

Themes and Appeal

Monster Strike explores themes of memory, friendship, and overcoming adversity, wrapped in a monster-battling package. Ren’s quest to reclaim his past mirrors the game’s focus on building and evolving monsters, creating a narrative about personal growth through challenges. The show balances lighthearted humor—especially from Oragon and Minami’s pop culture references—with darker elements like possession and corporate conspiracies, appealing to a wide audience.

Fans of the Monster Strike game will appreciate the faithful adaptation of its mechanics and monster designs, while anime viewers drawn to series like Pokémon or Digimon will enjoy the monster-collecting action. The short episode format and YouTube accessibility make it easy to binge, though the simplistic plot and occasionally shallow antagonists may not satisfy those seeking deeper storytelling.

Reception and Legacy

Monster Strike The Animation was a hit on YouTube, racking up 100 million views by August 2016 and over 200 million by June 2017. Its first season was praised for its fun battles and monster designs, though some criticized its generic human characters and lackluster villains. The second season’s animation dip sparked mixed reviews, but the franchise’s spin-offs, like A Rhapsody Called Lucy and MSonic! D’Artagnan’s Rise to Fame, kept fans engaged with fresh stories in separate continuities.

The anime also spawned three films: Monster Strike The Movie (2016, a prequel), Sora no Kanata (2018), and Lucifer: Zetsubō no Yoake (2020, delayed from June due to COVID-19). The first film grossed ¥740 million ($6.8 million) at the Japanese box office, showing the franchise’s strong fanbase. As of 2025, the series remains a cult favorite, with its short episodes and game ties keeping it relevant for mobile gaming and anime enthusiasts alike. It’s available on platforms like Prime Video, though Hindi-subbed versions are less common.

Final Thoughts

Monster Strike The Animation is a compact, action-packed ride that captures the spirit of its mobile game roots. While it may not break new ground in storytelling, its snappy episodes, vibrant battles, and quirky monsters make it a fun watch for fans of the game or those craving a quick dose of monster-battling chaos. Ren’s journey, paired with Oragon’s charm and the team’s dynamic, offers enough heart to keep viewers hooked. For a series born from a smartphone game, Monster Strike delivers a surprisingly engaging adventure that’s easy to dive into—whether you’re a gamer or just love a good fight.